It is important to be aware of home security. It is impossible to know when someone might break into your house, or even hurt the people inside. Read this to make your house safer and secure.

You can hide your spare key on your dog. This can be done if your dog can come outside. You can attach a copy of your key to the dog’s collar, so when you need that spare, you’ve got one handy!

When in the process of purchasing a home-security system, be sure to comparison shop. Wild variations in pricing can exist for similar security products. Get quotes from several companies so that you can get the best price for your home security system.

Is your dog kept outside when you are away? Your dog is an excellent place to hide your spare key. Put the key on the dog’s collar. This works especially well as storage if your pet isn’t too fond of strangers.

Never let a stranger inside. Even people who claim to need help may be out to harm you. Some people may simply be trying to determine whether or not you have a home security installed; if you don’t, they may plan to return later if you are away from your home.

Remove old plants and debris from your yard. As the summer heat rolls in, there is a higher chance that these can catch on fire, putting your home at risk. Keeping your plants and bushes trimmed will benefit your family’s safety as well as the appearance of your home.

Even if you have a great security system, it must be checked annually. Ask the security company to send a technician out to give your system a thorough inspection. Many factors cause issues with security systems like nature and wild animals. If the problem cannot be seen, you probably won’t even realize there is one.

Determine what sort of home protection services or programs the local police department has to offer. Your local police department will help you with preventive measures, inspect your home and show you how to mark your valuables so they can easily be found. Talk with local police to see if they offer these programs.

Skylights could be a problem for the safety of your home. Skylights are great for making a home brighter, but they can make it easier for burglars to access the house. Your skylights should have strong components that can withstand tampering.

If your house has a garage, keep the car there, not just your junk. Protect your car from vandals by keeping it in the garage. Keeping your car out of sight is also good for thwarting burglars’ attempts to determine when you are likely to be away from home.

You should not hide your spare key under your mat or inside a plant box. You might think that you are providing yourself a safe way into the house if you misplace your keys, but you are really inviting attackers inside. Thieves are aware of the best hiding spots. Rather, keep your spare keys with a neighbor you trust.

You need to go with your gut instinct when it comes to negotiating and dealing with a home security installation company. This is especially important when it comes to the company employees who will be installing your system. Never hesitate to has for a new technician or even go with a different company altogether. After all, you’re investing in a system that helps you to feel safe, so make sure the process involved in obtaining that system does the same.

When you hire a security firm, be certain to review all contracts carefully. There may be hidden expenses involved if you terminate service before the contract term is up, and there may be added equipment fees. Try avoiding these fees when you can so that you know about them.

Walls are great for hiding things. You can hide small valuables in your walls. All you have to do is place them behind any unused phone jack, electrical outlet or switch plate. If you’re using all your outlets, you can install phony ones.

It’s smart to use the Internet when you are looking for a good security company for your home. Take a look at various websites and read over customer testimonials and details about various packages. With this information, you can contact the companies you feel comfortable with and compare the rates to each other.

Keep valuables out of sight of windows. A big front window gives you a good view; however, it also gives burglars a good view of the interior of your house. If your windows are facing the street, make sure you cover them and protect your valuables.

Inquire with your home security service as to how long they’ve been in business. Companies who have been around for years will show that they have what it takes to succeed. In addition, it proves that they provide people with reliable services they can depend on. Realizing you at involved with a stable firm will give you a sense of calm that is important.

Keep a flashlight with good batteries in every room of your home, just in case you lose power. Flashlights are key because they allow you to move around if an emergency should arise. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the flashlights are.

Take off your rose colored glasses and realize that bad things can happen to anyone. You never know what might come next. Keep these tips in mind in order to keep your home safe.

Before you let a security company representative enter your home, make sure they are in uniform, and don’t hesitate to ask them for identification. Thieves often pose as security company representatives in order to enter homes and look for valuables. This puts your household and valuables at considerable risk. Use caution to stay out of danger.